Learning by Doing: A Journey of Faith

by Jensa Woo - GUM Newsletter, Spring 2009

In recent months, I have gone to meetings of the San Francisco Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (SFICI) which take place monthly in our church building. While the impetus for going was to learn about the current situation regarding immigration, I have a growing awareness of stories about families and individuals whose lives are affected by our country’s immigration policy. Although I have no expertise or training in matters related to immigration, it is nonetheless heartbreaking to read or learn about the harshness or outright cruelty with which undocumented folks are treated.

 SFICI is comprised of folks from local congregations of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish traditions, and also from various agencies ranging from the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center to Nueva Vida Ministries. We have met with and heard from representatives from the mayor’s office and the like, and I have learned about San Francisco’s sanctuary city ordinance, ICE raids, how juveniles under arrest are regarded, and more. I am grateful for those in our group who have had long-standing concern and involvement in these matters and, together, we learn to bear witness to God’s concern for the poor and vulnerable in our midst. Through participation in an interfaith convening held earlier this year, I have become aware of work that also goes on at the regional and national levels. Is there not a place to advocate for laws that are just and reflect the character of God our Maker?

 I am learning to lean in and not shy away from listening to stories of our inhumanity toward those who are foreigners in our country. I desire to follow our Lord’s example: God in Christ Jesus leans in towards us who once were aliens to Him. Through the example, too, of folks in our congregation, I learn to pray and long for God’s just reign to come and transform hearts and minds on both sides of the immigration reform debate. I am learning to follow Jesus at the intersection of Eucharist and capital, to show up in person and simply be present, to stand with the vulnerable and powerless, and be identified with the people of God.

 Jensa Woo is an ordained elder of Grace Fellowship Community Church. GUM provides support and leadership to the SFICI as a way to help connect partner congregations to ongoing immigration concerns in our city and nation.